India’s target will be to rise in medal’s tally: Randhir Singh

Indian Olympic Association Secretary-General Mr. Randhir Singh says India’s target in the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi will be to improve its position in the medals tally from fourth last time.

“Our teams are preparing in right earnest. We hope to win medals in all disciplines,” he told rediff.com in an interview. “We cannot catch up with the Australians as they have become a super power in sport but we have the skill to beat both Canada and England behind whom we had finished fourth the last time in Melbourne.”

Mr Randhir Singh, who took part in six Olympic Games shooting competitions said India has some exciting shooters who have excelled in the World Cup, Asian Championships and Commonwealth Games. “We have Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who is competent to take on the best in the world.

“We have world-beaters in double trap, in Rajan Sodhi and Rajyavardhan Rathore. Then we have Manavjit Singh in trap, Gagan Narang in 10m and 50m. These are world-class shooters and can win medals at any time. We have others who are also coming up nicely. It is difficult to say who will win medals,” he said.

Mr. Randhir Singh said the Indian hockey team’s goal is to win a medal in hockey at the Games. “The FIH World Cup was a dress rehearsal for the Commonwealth Games. Surely it went off well and the world appears impressed,” he said, indicating that preparations and arrangements for the Commonwealth Games are on track.

“Our Games Village is going to be one of the best in the world. The stadia will be ready in time to stage the biggest sporting event India has ever held,” said Mr. Randhir Singh, who is Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi.

“There are no misgivings in the matter of security. We will have the best security in place well before the commencement of the Commonwealth Games. Those dealing with this are confident that the Games will begin and end peacefully. The security experts are happy too. They now complain sometimes that there is too much security. But they also feel that it is for their good.”